There are some games you never forget.  Partying at a swish London hotel on company expenses the night before the match was unusual enough, but abandoning my swish surroundings for an early train to Milton Keynes for a lift to north Lincolnshire was a true test of devotion.  Then the hangover kicked in...

Southend arrived in Grimsby for the last game of the season in the final automatic promotion spot and it was my first taste of such an occasion.  Anticipation was high, but the visitors performance on the day didn't live up to the hype and the travelling fans had to endure a nervous wait for Swansea's final whistle.  After many minutes, the much delayed news filtered through that the Swans had gained a vital win and snatched third place in the table, condemning Southend to the playoffs.  Even Grimsby's legendary fish and chips couldn't raise the spirits and it was a long journey home.

But it's funny how things turn out.  Three games on, promotion was secured with a memorable extra time win at the Millennium Stadium and, one season later, a second promotion was achieved at, of all places, Swansea.

And, to the young local lad that caught me at a vulnerable moment after the game outside Blundell Park with a cheery "see you next season": No, no you won't...